Definition
A number of students might doubt, “What is a synthesis essay?” A synthesis essay is all about combination. The term ‘synthesis’ is defined as the combination of elements to form a connected whole. Thus, a synthesis essay is an essay that is a combination of different ideas into a whole to prove a point (otherwise called a thesis).
This may sound a little bit easier than an argument essay. Synthesis essay is all about presenting a well-built position and identifying the relationships connecting your sources.
Basic Elements of a Synthesis Paper
The 4 basic elements of a synthesis paper are:
- Synthesizing sources
- Working on thesis/main argument
- Formatting the paper
- Talking about the content
To write a synthesis essay you should analyze a given text. A writer is given a prompt to study. In order to fruitfully analyze it, you must comprehend the text’s reason, rhetoric, and the spat that the author’s claim, in other words, you are answering the question: So what? Then, you must build your own claim, and write an essay around that.
Topic for a Synthesis Essay
A great topic for a synthesis essay is one that peruses you to choose a debatable topic. Synthesis topic should not be something about general knowledge, such as whether fruits are good for you. Obviously everyone would agree that fruits are healthy, and there are many sources to support that. The prompt has to debatable it has to motive the readers to continue the discussion.
Just the once you choose a topic of your paper, read your sources. The sources will make people consider the writer’s claim. You may study information from a number of good sources, but a couple of them will help to develop a powerful thesis statement. Among all sources, use credible, up-to-date pieces:
- Books and e-books
- Other essays
- Journal and scholarly articles
- Graphics and images
- Documentaries
- Websites
The reliability of sources will depend on the relevance of chosen topic. For a good research, closely read the topic. Organize annotated bibliography (list applied sources), draw attention to all main text ideas, and take notes during this procedure. Connect the best ideas with your synthesis essay writing.
How to Write an Outline?
To maintain the structure of your paper, and planning your outline you need to create an outline.
Each argument should approve the statement you are supporting; recognize factors that go not in favor of your main thesis and idea. This pace will make your essay even stronger and more diverse. Please make a note, that analysis does not stand for summarizing – you need to answer related topic questions.
The structure of a Synthesis Essay
The example of your essay structure may be:
- Introduction
- Thesis
- Main point 1
- Main point 2
- Main point 3
- Body
- Main point 1
- Evidence (quote from a source)
- Analysis of Evidence
- Main point 2
- Evidence (quote from a source)
- Analysis of Evidence
- Main point 3
- Evidence (quote from a source)
- Analysis of Evidence
- Conclusion
- Restate main points and answer unanswered questions
Formatting of a Synthesis Essay
What style is required by your teacher or professor, the format should be chosen according to it. The most familiar formats are: MLA, APA, and Chicago style. APA format is used by the fields of Education, Psychology, and Science. MLA format is used for citing Humanities, and Chicago style is used for Business, History, and Fine Arts. Purdue Owl is a format guide that focuses mainly on MLA and APA, and Easy bib is a citation multitool for any of your external sources.
Here are the basic nuances to consider:
- Times New Roman
- 12 pt font
- Double-spaced text
- 1″ margins all around
- At top right of the page, student’s last name and page number should be written.
- Titles and headings are put in the center
- The header must enclose your name, your professor’s name, course number, and the full date (dd/mm/yy)
- The last page is Bibliography page (a.k.a. Works Cited or References)